Balanced Literacy

The John E. Burke School uses a balanced literacy approach. Five key elements, phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension are emphasized during the literacy block. The literacy block is made up many parts which may include reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, shared writing, interactive writing, guided writing or writing workshop, and independent writing. Children in the lower grades need more shared and interactive reading and writing while children in grades 3-5 do not require any interactive reading and writing at all. One of the most important features of our balanced literacy approach is the use of independent reading. Independent reading allows students to practice their skills as readers. Another feature is guided reading which is a small group activity working with students that have similar needs. The teacher's main purpose is to provide the students with effective reading strategies they can use in order to read increasingly challenging levels of text. The goal is to have the child be able to read independently using the reading strategies taught.

Literacy Resource Links
Resources for Teachers	Resources for Students
Reading Workshop Reading Workshop 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Writer's Workshop Writing Workshop 1 2 3 4 Writing Prompts 1 2 3 4 5
Guided Reading Resource Websites Balanced Literacy Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site Components of a Balanced Literacy Approach 4 Blocks Literacy Framework Grade 1-5 Balanced Literacy Guided Reading at Lindisfarne North Guided Reading in Kindergarten Literacy Lane Nancy Barnes 4 Blocks and More Reading A-Z.com ReadingLady.com Teaching Strategies Using Literacy Centers with Guided Reading	Books On the Web Reading Rainbow Stories Read by Famous Actors Book Adventure Fun Learning Games Fun Brain Chateau Meddybemps Learning Games IKnowThat.com Weekly Reader Games and Puzzles Primary Games
Phonemic Awareness & Phonics DIBELS Home Page In the Classroom Phonics What is Phonemic Awareness Phonemic Awareness Activities Phonemic Awareness Ideas A Rhyme a Week	Phonemic Awareness & Phonics Phonics and Word Study Words and Pictures Literacy Center
Literature Activities Children's Literature Activities for the Classroom The Children's Literature Web Guide Cyber Guides Laura Candler's Literary Lessons Reader's Theater 1	Literature Activities GameAquarium.com PBS Kids
Working With Words Sight Word Fun Word Wall Practice 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9	Working With Words Practicing Dolch Words 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Word Scramble Learning Vocabulary Can Be Fun Primary Games (A variety of games) Interactive Word Play Make a New Word
Center Ideas Learning Centers for the Primary Grades Literacy Center Ideas Virtual Vine Teaching Hearts
General Reading Resource Links Blackwell's Best Language Arts Matrix	Data Base for Award Winning Literature
Other Links Kathy Schrock's Guide for Teachers Language Arts and Reading Research Links for K-12 Teachers ProTeacher ReadWriteThink The Teacher's Corner Poetry Links SCORE

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